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How do I pick a college?
How do I choose a college? There are many to choose from, and all say they are the best. Plus, I have to worry about tuition.
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Naomi María’s Answer
Georgy, yes, you are right! Every school says they're the best, but the trick is to pay attention to what specifically they are the best at. I'm not sure what you're planning on studying so it makes it a little trickier to tell you what to look for, but these are some big things to think about when trying to decide between schools or programs:
- College/University vs Program Rankings: Maybe the school as a whole is rated quite high, but is the degree program you're interested also considered good? Some small colleges or universities may seem unimpressive, but then surprisingly are the highest rated for a program because they are the leader in a specific field of research or have an unexpectedly good facility for a program because former alumni made a huge donation.
- Reviews: Besides all the rankings, you can find a lot of reviews online from students and teachers about schools and programs. You might find something out that makes or breaks a program for you!
- Specializations: Similar to the quality or reputation of a specific degree program at school, is there a niche in a career you are most interested in? Let's say you're majoring in psychology, does the program do research in a subject you're interested in? What if you're majoring in sculpture and want to work on big public sculptures, does the program have the facilities for you to learn welding or have instructors that make large scale sculptures?
- Internships and Job Placement: Does the school help students find internships or work after graduation? Many schools post their job placement rates and the percentage of students who are in internships, so it might help you eliminate some schools from your list if they don't seem to do well in this category. A school may have robust networking opportunities with local businesses and alumni that make finding an internship or a job quite easy. Some schools have internships that are mandatory for graduation and others may not, but do they help students find internships?
- Accreditation: This is important to pay attention to with some of the online-only schools, but also for undergraduate programs that lead additional education or certifications. For example, if you want to become a medical doctor or physical therapist, not every bachelors of science program will meet the course requirements for accreditation for medical school or the masters of physical therapy program, leading you to need to take additional courses after you already graduated with a degree. This can also affect some professions that require certification or licensing programs, where an unaccredited program may be a few courses short of the requirements for you to take the exam you need for your career. Also some schools are on probation with their accrediting bodies, so you might want to avoid applying there depending on what they're out of compliance on. There are both institutional and programmatic accreditation bodies and you'll want to check out what's relevant to you.
- Public vs Private: State schools will be cheaper than private schools, but it also matters what state you live in originally! Out of state tuition costs can sometimes make a private school the cheaper option, but depending on where you live some states allow for in-state tuition if you live within a certain distance of a school but are across the border.
- Location: You probably won't want to live in a dorm the entire time you're in school or maybe not at all. So you will want to consider the cost of living, which is more than just rent and food. What are the housing options? Is it easy to find roommates? Is there good public transportation? How much does that cost? Will you need a car? Depending on your area of study, the location may have a big impact on your education and opportunities for internships.
- Tuition: Schools will have this information posted somewhere, but you may have to dig around to find it or you can email student services or the specific degree program you're interested in as well.
- Financial Aid: Some schools have more money and grants to give out than others, so when considering costs, look into what they offer. Tuition may be extremely expensive, but there may also be many options beyond FAFSA within a school to help cover costs of boarding, books, classes, and more. Besides what a school itself offers, you can find additional grants and scholarships from third parties, so a school that might seem out of your price range might not so bad if you apply for and get enough financial aid. Also some schools have more work-study options than other, which means you can work somewhere that will be respectful of your school schedule.
- Transferrable Credits: Some people choose community colleges for the first year or two to save money on overall tuition and there's nothing wrong with that! But if you want to go that route, make sure you know exactly what classes have equivalents and with what colleges or universities. You don't want to end up spending money and time on classes you'll have to retake when you transfer to another school.
- Friends and Family: Do you know several people going to a particular school? Maybe you have family nearby? If staying close to certain people is important for you, it might be a big factor in your decision of where to go.
I know I gave you a lot to think about there! I hope that doesn't seem too overwhelming. Good luck deciding and don't put too much pressure on yourself to pick the perfect school, because it doesn't exist. Everything has pros and cons and if you find that where you wind up is just not for you, there's always the option switch programs or universities altogether. :)
- College/University vs Program Rankings: Maybe the school as a whole is rated quite high, but is the degree program you're interested also considered good? Some small colleges or universities may seem unimpressive, but then surprisingly are the highest rated for a program because they are the leader in a specific field of research or have an unexpectedly good facility for a program because former alumni made a huge donation.
- Reviews: Besides all the rankings, you can find a lot of reviews online from students and teachers about schools and programs. You might find something out that makes or breaks a program for you!
- Specializations: Similar to the quality or reputation of a specific degree program at school, is there a niche in a career you are most interested in? Let's say you're majoring in psychology, does the program do research in a subject you're interested in? What if you're majoring in sculpture and want to work on big public sculptures, does the program have the facilities for you to learn welding or have instructors that make large scale sculptures?
- Internships and Job Placement: Does the school help students find internships or work after graduation? Many schools post their job placement rates and the percentage of students who are in internships, so it might help you eliminate some schools from your list if they don't seem to do well in this category. A school may have robust networking opportunities with local businesses and alumni that make finding an internship or a job quite easy. Some schools have internships that are mandatory for graduation and others may not, but do they help students find internships?
- Accreditation: This is important to pay attention to with some of the online-only schools, but also for undergraduate programs that lead additional education or certifications. For example, if you want to become a medical doctor or physical therapist, not every bachelors of science program will meet the course requirements for accreditation for medical school or the masters of physical therapy program, leading you to need to take additional courses after you already graduated with a degree. This can also affect some professions that require certification or licensing programs, where an unaccredited program may be a few courses short of the requirements for you to take the exam you need for your career. Also some schools are on probation with their accrediting bodies, so you might want to avoid applying there depending on what they're out of compliance on. There are both institutional and programmatic accreditation bodies and you'll want to check out what's relevant to you.
- Public vs Private: State schools will be cheaper than private schools, but it also matters what state you live in originally! Out of state tuition costs can sometimes make a private school the cheaper option, but depending on where you live some states allow for in-state tuition if you live within a certain distance of a school but are across the border.
- Location: You probably won't want to live in a dorm the entire time you're in school or maybe not at all. So you will want to consider the cost of living, which is more than just rent and food. What are the housing options? Is it easy to find roommates? Is there good public transportation? How much does that cost? Will you need a car? Depending on your area of study, the location may have a big impact on your education and opportunities for internships.
- Tuition: Schools will have this information posted somewhere, but you may have to dig around to find it or you can email student services or the specific degree program you're interested in as well.
- Financial Aid: Some schools have more money and grants to give out than others, so when considering costs, look into what they offer. Tuition may be extremely expensive, but there may also be many options beyond FAFSA within a school to help cover costs of boarding, books, classes, and more. Besides what a school itself offers, you can find additional grants and scholarships from third parties, so a school that might seem out of your price range might not so bad if you apply for and get enough financial aid. Also some schools have more work-study options than other, which means you can work somewhere that will be respectful of your school schedule.
- Transferrable Credits: Some people choose community colleges for the first year or two to save money on overall tuition and there's nothing wrong with that! But if you want to go that route, make sure you know exactly what classes have equivalents and with what colleges or universities. You don't want to end up spending money and time on classes you'll have to retake when you transfer to another school.
- Friends and Family: Do you know several people going to a particular school? Maybe you have family nearby? If staying close to certain people is important for you, it might be a big factor in your decision of where to go.
I know I gave you a lot to think about there! I hope that doesn't seem too overwhelming. Good luck deciding and don't put too much pressure on yourself to pick the perfect school, because it doesn't exist. Everything has pros and cons and if you find that where you wind up is just not for you, there's always the option switch programs or universities altogether. :)
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Georgy,
How to Choose a College
Choosing a college is a significant decision that can have a lasting impact on your future. Here are some steps to help you navigate the process and make an informed choice:
1. Identify Your Priorities:
Consider what factors are most important to you, such as location, size of the campus, academic programs offered, extracurricular activities, campus culture, and cost.
2. Research Colleges:
Start by researching different colleges that align with your priorities. Look into their academic reputation, faculty qualifications, student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rates, and job placement statistics.
3. Visit Campuses:
If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you are interested in. This will give you a feel for the environment and help you determine if it’s a good fit for you.
4. Consider Financial Aid:
Look into the financial aid options available at each college. Consider factors such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans to help offset the cost of tuition.
5. Talk to Current Students and Alumni:
Reach out to current students and alumni of the colleges you are considering to get firsthand insights into their experiences. They can provide valuable information about academics, campus life, and career opportunities.
6. Evaluate Academic Programs:
Assess the academic programs offered by each college and determine if they align with your interests and career goals. Look into specific majors, minors, research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
7. Consider Campus Life:
Think about what type of campus environment you thrive in – whether it’s a bustling urban setting or a more serene rural campus. Consider factors like dormitory living, social activities, sports teams, and clubs.
8. Seek Guidance from Counselors or Advisors:
Consult with high school counselors or college advisors who can provide guidance on choosing a college based on your academic strengths, interests, and goals.
9. Trust Your Instincts:
Ultimately, trust your instincts when making this decision. Choose a college where you feel comfortable and supported academically and personally.
By following these steps and carefully considering your priorities and goals, you can make an informed decision when choosing a college that is the best fit for you.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The College Board: The College Board is a non-profit organization that provides valuable resources for students planning for higher education. It offers tools for researching colleges, understanding financial aid options, and preparing for standardized tests like the SAT.
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report is known for its annual rankings of colleges and universities in various categories such as best national universities, best liberal arts colleges, best value schools, etc., providing valuable insights into academic quality and reputation.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): NACAC is an organization dedicated to supporting high school counselors and college admission professionals in guiding students through the college selection process. Their resources include information on college fairs, admission trends, financial aid options, and more.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
How to Choose a College
Choosing a college is a significant decision that can have a lasting impact on your future. Here are some steps to help you navigate the process and make an informed choice:
1. Identify Your Priorities:
Consider what factors are most important to you, such as location, size of the campus, academic programs offered, extracurricular activities, campus culture, and cost.
2. Research Colleges:
Start by researching different colleges that align with your priorities. Look into their academic reputation, faculty qualifications, student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rates, and job placement statistics.
3. Visit Campuses:
If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you are interested in. This will give you a feel for the environment and help you determine if it’s a good fit for you.
4. Consider Financial Aid:
Look into the financial aid options available at each college. Consider factors such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans to help offset the cost of tuition.
5. Talk to Current Students and Alumni:
Reach out to current students and alumni of the colleges you are considering to get firsthand insights into their experiences. They can provide valuable information about academics, campus life, and career opportunities.
6. Evaluate Academic Programs:
Assess the academic programs offered by each college and determine if they align with your interests and career goals. Look into specific majors, minors, research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
7. Consider Campus Life:
Think about what type of campus environment you thrive in – whether it’s a bustling urban setting or a more serene rural campus. Consider factors like dormitory living, social activities, sports teams, and clubs.
8. Seek Guidance from Counselors or Advisors:
Consult with high school counselors or college advisors who can provide guidance on choosing a college based on your academic strengths, interests, and goals.
9. Trust Your Instincts:
Ultimately, trust your instincts when making this decision. Choose a college where you feel comfortable and supported academically and personally.
By following these steps and carefully considering your priorities and goals, you can make an informed decision when choosing a college that is the best fit for you.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The College Board: The College Board is a non-profit organization that provides valuable resources for students planning for higher education. It offers tools for researching colleges, understanding financial aid options, and preparing for standardized tests like the SAT.
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report is known for its annual rankings of colleges and universities in various categories such as best national universities, best liberal arts colleges, best value schools, etc., providing valuable insights into academic quality and reputation.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): NACAC is an organization dedicated to supporting high school counselors and college admission professionals in guiding students through the college selection process. Their resources include information on college fairs, admission trends, financial aid options, and more.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Updated
Nikicha’s Answer
Choosing a college is an important decision, and it can certainly feel overwhelming considering the numerous options available. To make the process more manageable, here are some key factors to consider when selecting a college:
Academic Programs: Look for colleges that offer the academic programs and majors you are interested in. Consider the quality and reputation of those programs, faculty qualifications, and the availability of research or internship opportunities.
Location: Decide whether you prefer a college close to home or are open to studying in a different region. Consider factors such as climate, proximity to family and friends, urban or rural setting, and potential job or internship opportunities in the area.
Campus Culture: Each college has its own unique campus culture and atmosphere. Visit the campuses if possible, attend college fairs, or connect with current students to get a sense of the community, extracurricular activities, clubs, and social life.
Size and Class Environment: Consider whether you prefer a large university with extensive resources and diverse student body or a smaller college with smaller class sizes, more individual attention from professors, and a close-knit community.
Financial Considerations: Evaluate the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses associated with attending each college. Research scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities offered by the colleges you're interested in, and compare the financial aid packages they provide.
Academic Programs: Look for colleges that offer the academic programs and majors you are interested in. Consider the quality and reputation of those programs, faculty qualifications, and the availability of research or internship opportunities.
Location: Decide whether you prefer a college close to home or are open to studying in a different region. Consider factors such as climate, proximity to family and friends, urban or rural setting, and potential job or internship opportunities in the area.
Campus Culture: Each college has its own unique campus culture and atmosphere. Visit the campuses if possible, attend college fairs, or connect with current students to get a sense of the community, extracurricular activities, clubs, and social life.
Size and Class Environment: Consider whether you prefer a large university with extensive resources and diverse student body or a smaller college with smaller class sizes, more individual attention from professors, and a close-knit community.
Financial Considerations: Evaluate the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses associated with attending each college. Research scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities offered by the colleges you're interested in, and compare the financial aid packages they provide.
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
Hi Georgy,
The best way to choose a college is to decide specifically what is important to you. I would make a list of the features of a college/university including items such as 1. campus climate/culture 2. city that the college/university is in 3. merit aid/grants packages 4. services offered to students (career/internship opportunities, mental health services, student clubs/organizations) and rank them from 1-5 for all of the colleges you are considering and then add up the scores to allow you to see which ones you're leaning more towards. Another way to decide is to see if you can find students that actually attend the universities you're interested in and ask what the best/worst parts are of attending that institution. If you're able to, visiting the campus while classes are actively in session (fall/spring semesters) can give you a good sense of the vibe on campus. Remember to choose somewhere that you think you'd be able to call your home away from home for the next four years. Good luck to you!
The best way to choose a college is to decide specifically what is important to you. I would make a list of the features of a college/university including items such as 1. campus climate/culture 2. city that the college/university is in 3. merit aid/grants packages 4. services offered to students (career/internship opportunities, mental health services, student clubs/organizations) and rank them from 1-5 for all of the colleges you are considering and then add up the scores to allow you to see which ones you're leaning more towards. Another way to decide is to see if you can find students that actually attend the universities you're interested in and ask what the best/worst parts are of attending that institution. If you're able to, visiting the campus while classes are actively in session (fall/spring semesters) can give you a good sense of the vibe on campus. Remember to choose somewhere that you think you'd be able to call your home away from home for the next four years. Good luck to you!
Updated
Riya’s Answer
Hey Gregory!
You're right - picking a college can be tough, just like it was for me. While the cost is a big factor, there's so much more to think about! What do you like? A large school? Lots of clubs and activities? A certain major that's really strong at a particular college? Or maybe the kind of campus?
There's a lot to weigh, and it takes time. But don't let the price tag scare you off. There are scholarships, financial aid, grants, and even loans (which aren't as frightening as they sound) to help you out.
Wishing you the best in finding the right college and in all your future plans!
You're right - picking a college can be tough, just like it was for me. While the cost is a big factor, there's so much more to think about! What do you like? A large school? Lots of clubs and activities? A certain major that's really strong at a particular college? Or maybe the kind of campus?
There's a lot to weigh, and it takes time. But don't let the price tag scare you off. There are scholarships, financial aid, grants, and even loans (which aren't as frightening as they sound) to help you out.
Wishing you the best in finding the right college and in all your future plans!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you may find out what careers / subjects you would like to pursue. Different college have their strength in different subjects.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest and identify the related careers
Eg if you have interest on maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst , maths teacher, etc
If you have interest in music, would you like to be a musician,, singer, music producer, music composer, music teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Check the college ranking & comment on the relevant subjects and explore the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest and identify the related careers
Eg if you have interest on maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst , maths teacher, etc
If you have interest in music, would you like to be a musician,, singer, music producer, music composer, music teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Check the college ranking & comment on the relevant subjects and explore the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Choosing a college can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
--Your interests and goals. What do you want to study? What do you want to do after college? Choose a college that offers the programs and resources you need to achieve your goals.
--Cost. Tuition can be a major factor, so be sure to factor in the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. There are many financial aid options available, so don't let cost be the deciding factor.
--Location. Do you want to stay close to home or go away to school? Consider the size of the school and the surrounding area.
--Academic reputation. Look at the college's academic rankings and graduation rates.
--Student life. What kind of student life do you want? Consider the size of the student body, the variety of extracurricular activities, and the school's location.
Choosing a college is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can find the right college for you.
--Your interests and goals. What do you want to study? What do you want to do after college? Choose a college that offers the programs and resources you need to achieve your goals.
--Cost. Tuition can be a major factor, so be sure to factor in the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. There are many financial aid options available, so don't let cost be the deciding factor.
--Location. Do you want to stay close to home or go away to school? Consider the size of the school and the surrounding area.
--Academic reputation. Look at the college's academic rankings and graduation rates.
--Student life. What kind of student life do you want? Consider the size of the student body, the variety of extracurricular activities, and the school's location.
Choosing a college is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can find the right college for you.
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Georgy!
Three keys below.
1. I would seriously consider going to a community college. Not only does this save you money but gives you more time to think about where you want to end up. Also, basics are basics and it does not make sense to pay for those type of classes at a university. My first year and a half I took basics at a community college and lived at home to save up money. I was also able to work a part time job and this gave me time to discover that I love business (specially operations) If I had not been given that time to think/keep looking I think I may have gone down the wrong career path.
2. Don't trust those "best university" publications. These magazines do not tell the whole story and could be biased toward certain universities. My suggestion is to visit some universities on their campus days to get a feel. Also, I would take this time to meet with current students to ask what their experience has been like. In my opinion, this is the best way to really find out what university you should attend. I visited universities that I thought would be my top two and ended up hating them by the time I left (one told our group ghost stories on the tour) One of the universities in my bottom three ended up where I attended and I absolutely loved it there! The difference happened during campus days and talking to current students.
3. Picking the right university to attend is important but knowing your career path is much more vital to your long term success. I am not saying all universities are alike but obtaining your degree in a field that interest you is much more vital to your work happiness. I have friends who work in fields completely different than their degree because they ended up hating what they spent 4-8 years learning. I implore you not to make this mistake. Really think about what you want to spend your work life doing and then once you decide go after it! Spend your time thinking about your future career and try to not get hung up on the best/right university
Three keys below.
1. I would seriously consider going to a community college. Not only does this save you money but gives you more time to think about where you want to end up. Also, basics are basics and it does not make sense to pay for those type of classes at a university. My first year and a half I took basics at a community college and lived at home to save up money. I was also able to work a part time job and this gave me time to discover that I love business (specially operations) If I had not been given that time to think/keep looking I think I may have gone down the wrong career path.
2. Don't trust those "best university" publications. These magazines do not tell the whole story and could be biased toward certain universities. My suggestion is to visit some universities on their campus days to get a feel. Also, I would take this time to meet with current students to ask what their experience has been like. In my opinion, this is the best way to really find out what university you should attend. I visited universities that I thought would be my top two and ended up hating them by the time I left (one told our group ghost stories on the tour) One of the universities in my bottom three ended up where I attended and I absolutely loved it there! The difference happened during campus days and talking to current students.
3. Picking the right university to attend is important but knowing your career path is much more vital to your long term success. I am not saying all universities are alike but obtaining your degree in a field that interest you is much more vital to your work happiness. I have friends who work in fields completely different than their degree because they ended up hating what they spent 4-8 years learning. I implore you not to make this mistake. Really think about what you want to spend your work life doing and then once you decide go after it! Spend your time thinking about your future career and try to not get hung up on the best/right university
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